For 2024 Black History Month, QLS has some special programming. “This is the greatest episode ever.”
Questlove says during this two-part discussion with Hollywood revolutionary Robert Townsend.
This two-hour conversation includes Robert’s Chicago upbringing, his gift for impersonations, and his pursuit of becoming a working actor in New York.
Robert touches on his ascent from minor roles in Cooley High and The Warriors to nearly becoming an SNL cast member.
A focal point is Robert detailing how Townsend financed Hollywood Shuffle with a credit card and his word. In the second hour, Robert speaks about the madness that was his love letter to music, The Five Heartbeats.
He touches on Meteor Man, directing Eddie Murphy Raw, and coaching a young Beyoncé in Carmen: A Hip Hop Opera.
This conversation with a true visionary is funny, impactful, and filled with love and wisdom.
How would one describe Robert Townsend? A talented actor, Hollywood trailblazer, passionate visionary, or just a regular guy seeking to make a difference, these are all phrases that apply to the multitalented entertainer. Townsend is the last of a rare breed of artists that scrutinizes every word and syllable that is expressed in his work. It’s no wonder that so many people regard Townsend’s body of work as classics. A Hollywood pioneer well ahead of his time, Townsend, is often referred to as one of the “Godfathers of the Independent Film World.” With more than 30 years in the entertainment business, he has made an indelible mark in Hollywood with an extensive list of credits.
Robert’s genius first revealed itself in elementary school. As a kid Robert was always fascinated with television, watching and studying it tirelessly, he began to practice acting out scenes and impersonating famous characters. At his school during a reading of Shakespeare’s Oedipus Rex he dazzled the class with his ability to transform effortlessly into character, and as a result Robert’s remarkable adaptable talent as a young actor was born and caught the attention of Chicago’s X Bag Theatre (the Experimental Black Actors Guild). Robert made an unforgettable mark in his hometown of Chicago, then he took the next step and where went to New York and became a regular at the Improvisation, the renowned comedy club, which jump-started his career as a stand-up comedian. Then for Robert it was on to Hollywood, where he dabbled in a mixture of industries and found that with his undeniable talent, he was able to adapt easily from being a comedian to working as an actor on the silver screen.
